"We're very much aware that we're not any awesome team," he said. "We've got a lot to work on. But I am proud of them. The challenges that they've had so far, they've risen and played well."

To defeat Gibbs, the Tornadoes (15-0) used a suffocating defense and relied again on their considerable size advantage. Six-foot-2 center and tournament MVP Artajah Collins collected game highs for points (13) and rebounds (nine). She also added three blocks.

Gibbs (13-2) stayed with the Tornadoes but a 6-2 run just before the break had Clearwater ahead 32-25 at halftime.

A 7-2 Clearwater run to end the third seemed to sap some of the energy from Gibbs. Clearwater, which goes at least 10 deep, wore down the Gladiators over the final quarter.

"I think depth is one advantage that we have over most teams," Shaneyfelt said. "We're not afraid to play people."